Young the Giant Roadrunner ***

California's Young the Giant make tunes with big rooms and stadiums in mind, but that's not necessarily a bad thing when they have anthems like My Bodyat their disposal. That brilliantly sculpted, radio-friendly banger will have been most people's introduction to the Orange County band, and a sign that their lengthy apprenticeship (for example, the band spent four or five years operating as The Jakes) has paid dividends. Throughout this likable affair, YTG's sticky alternative rock tunes are bolstered by Sameer Gadhia's soulful, warm vocals and Jacob Tilley's infectious, intoxicating guitar lines. Aside from the powerful My Body(which looms large over the rest of this collection), the drama that they produce on Apartmentand the harmonic glee of Guns Outhint at a band well capable of doing more than just the obvious when it comes to crafting and fine-tuning their sound. See youngthegiant.com

Download tracks: My Body, Apartment